Tennessee State Parks to hold National Trails Day

NASHVILLE – Tennessee State Parks will celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday with free, guided hikes at all 56 parks.

The variety of ranger-led hikes will include historical tours, waterfall viewing, trail building and more. With more than 1,000 miles of trails ranging from easy, paved paths to rugged backcountry trails to scenic waterways, there’s a hike for everyone.

Locally, the Cedar Glades Hike will start at 9 a.m. at Cedars of Lebanon State Park at the main park office at 328 Cedar Forest Road. The half-mile hike allows participants to learn about the cedar glades and history of the park and is open to children and adults. For more information, contact park manager Wayne Ingram at 615-443-2792 or wayne.ingram@tn.gov.

“Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country and you won’t be disappointed at any one of our state parks,” said Deputy Commissioner for Parks and Conservation, Brock Hill. “From an experienced hiker to someone new to the outdoors, all are welcome to enjoy the day with us out on the trail.”

The event is held annually on the first Saturday in June in coordination with the American Hiking Society. The purpose is to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States.

Tennessee State Parks will also host a photo contest on National Trails Day. Hikers can submit their photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #findyourtrailTN. Submissions are required to incorporate the National Trails Day sticker, which will be available to hikers at all Tennessee State Parks for no charge on June 4 while supplies last.

Participants are encouraged to bring water and food, and wear long pants and appropriate footwear. To find a at any of the other state parks, visit tnstateparks.com/about/special-event-cards/national-trail-day.

The National Trails Day hikes represent the third in a series of statewide hiking events for 2016. Additional statewide hiking events include first hikes in early January, spring hikes in March, National Public Lands Day hikes in September and an after-Thanksgiving Day hike in November.